Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

The waiting list for children needing psychological treatment in County Kerry, and in the Cork-Kerry region, as recently outlined by the HSE for the period 2022 to 2025, shows a growth pattern that only be described as highly horrendous. The list grew by 470%. These figures appear to have spiralled out of control during that timeframe. There is widespread fear and frustration in the families of those affected.

It is of the utmost importance that the Minister of State outlines to us the valid reasons why we find our healthcare community in this horrendous position and for the emergency solutions that are being implemented, along with timeframes for drastic improvements. Do the Minister of State and the Minister have concrete plans for the employment of sufficient additional professionals suitable for the roles that are lacking in Cork and Kerry? Will provision be made in the upcoming budget for the very significant increase in funding for this obviously under-resourced health service in Kerry and Cork? Is the Minister of State satisfied that the steps being taken will show big improvements very quickly? How quickly? Is he satisfied that the steps being taken will show major improvements in this area?

The shocking figures for Kerry show that at year end 2020, the number of children in Kerry registered as waiting was 217. The figure for 2025 is 1,022. Yes, 1,022, which is an astronomical rise of 470%. Does the Minister of State agree that it is indefensible that the HSE allowed this trend to continue unchecked for over four and a half years? Is this down to bad management on the part of the HSE? Is the option of replacing the management team responsible being considered? We have already witnessed the CAMHS fiasco in both south and north Kerry and in other parts of the country. Our vulnerable children who are suffering from psychological issues need to be seen, diagnosed and treated with speed, professionalism and efficiency. This does not appear to have been the case over this five-year span.

I trust that as the Minister of State is taking on tonight's session, he will make his views strongly known to Cabinet in the budget formation talks as the voice of these children, who are the responsibility of all of us. I trust that his colleagues in Cabinet will see, understand and heed the most dangerous position these children have been allowed to fall into through no fault of their own. This situation has the potential to damage an awful lot of these children, who await somebody to simply see what is wrong and what has to be done to make it right. Patients and their families will endure an extreme amount to see their loved ones getting better, but waiting lists should be avoidable.

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